As the warm summer nights fade into memory, both under the dazzling lights of Grease at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff and in everyday life, children are buzzing with excitement as they gear up to return to school.
Grease, the beloved musical has charmed audiences for decades on stage and screen, since 1971 when it was first staged in Chicago. You’re probably most familiar with the 1978 movie featuring John John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Grease recently lit up the stage with its latest production, bringing all the energy, nostalgia, and toe-tapping tunes fans expect. This particular staging delivers a lively and colorful rendition that manages to balance the familiar with a few fresh twists.
This production stands out by being narrated by DJ Vince Fontaine, broadcasting from his lofty radio station. His witty antics and quirky catchphrases add a fresh, edgy dynamic to the show.
One of the highlights of this production is the charismatic cast. The chemistry between the leads, Danny Zuko (Marley Fenton) and Sandy Dumbrowski (Hope Dawe), is palpable.
The actor portraying Danny embodies the cool, swagger of the character with a slight vulnerability that adds depth. His vocals, particularly during “Summer Nights” and “Sandy,” are strong and full of emotion, drawing the audience into Danny’s journey. Though Danny’s performance didn’t leave as strong an impact as expected, at times Kenickie (Ben Nicholas) had a more commanding stage presence.
Sandy, on the other hand, is portrayed with a sweet sincerity that gradually transforms into empowered confidence by the end of the show. Her rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” is a standout moment, filled with both heartache and resolve. The climactic transformation of her character into her leather-clad persona felt quite underwhelming.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Rizzo (Rebecca Stenhouse), with her sharp wit and tough exterior, brings a layer of complexity to the role, especially during her solo “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”, though we did wonder why this was sung to Sandy. The T-Birds and Pink Ladies offer plenty of comic relief, with their exaggerated personalities and perfectly synchronized dance numbers. You get to see their relationships and characters grow along with the main duo.
The direction of this production strikes a fine balance between staying true to the original material and introducing modern sensibilities. The pacing is brisk, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, yet the more tender scenes are given the space they need to resonate. While the musical introduced some lesser-known songs not featured in the film, the decision to deviate from the familiar timeline and structure of the movie might disappoint die-hard fans.
There also appears to be much more relationship drama that what you may remember in the film. Sandy doesn’t end up dating a jock, but the others seem to be in and out of relationships left right and centre, which adds a degree of complication. Although the lovebirds envitably end up together.
Choreography is a major highlight, with Arlene Philips at the helm capturing the exuberance of the 1950s high school experience you know you’re in for some spectacular moves. Numbers like “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together” are bursting with energy, featuring intricate footwork and acrobatics that showcase the ensemble’s athleticism and coordination. The dance routines are a visual feast, with the cast navigating complex formations seamlessly. Though, I’m sure audiences will be just as surprised as us to see some of the more iconic moves omitted.
The set design is a vibrant homage to the era, with neon lights, classic cars, and retro diners bringing Rydell High to life. Each scene transition is smooth, supported by clever use of stage space that never feels cluttered despite the often large ensemble cast.
Costuming is another strength, capturing the essence of 1950s fashion while allowing each character to stand out. The leather jackets, poodle skirts, and greased hair are iconic, but it’s the subtle details—like Rizzo’s bold red lipstick or Sandy’s demure sweaters—that help define each character’s journey. The final scene, where Sandy steps out in her new, edgy look, is a perfect visual culmination of her character. However, we felt this scene missed a trick and should have had more of a build up and energy about it as part of the BIG reveal.
The live orchestra delivers the beloved score with the verve and energy it demands. Classic songs like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Greased Lightnin’” are performed with the kind of enthusiasm that invites the audience to sing along. The early rendition of “We Go Together” left the ending reprisal anticlimactic as it had already been performed, there was no build to the song that so iconically ends the film.
This production of Grease is a vibrant, joyful experience that honors the original while making small updates to keep it fresh for modern audiences. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or seeing it for the first time, this rendition offers a satisfying mix of nostalgia and excitement. The combination of a strong cast, dynamic choreography, and polished production values ensures that Grease remains electrifying.
See Grease The Musical at the Wales Millenium Centre 2-7 September 2024.
Running Time: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (including 1 interval).
You can find out more details on performance times and to book tickets here.
